Jazz Center Walker Kessler Throws Down Putback Dunk Against Magic

SALT LAKE CITY –  Jazz rookie center Walker Kessler followed up a miss by one of his teammates with a strong putback dunk during Utah’s game against the Orlando Magic.

The Magic hosted the Jazz at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida on Thursday, March 9.

With 1:57 left in the first half, Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen failed to connect on a 27-foot jump shot. The rookie from Auburn collected the miss for an offensive rebound before throwing the ball through the cylinder for a slam dunk.

Kessler’s jam gave the Jazz a 53-51 lead.

Walker always has your back 🤠#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/lLHe5mOCX8

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) March 10, 2023

At halftime, Utah owned a 64-56 advantage on the scoreboard.

Kessler had six points on 2-2 field goals. He added seven rebounds, one assist, and three blocks during his first 16 minutes of action.

This season, Kessler is averaging 8.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 2.3 blocks, and 0.4 steals in 22.0 minutes per contest. He’s played in 63 games for the Jazz this season.

a little love from one rookie to another 🫡#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/LXj40gT7bW

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) March 10, 2023

The Jazz vs. Magic game is broadcast on AT&T SportsNet, NBA League Pass, and KSL Sports Zone.

Jazz vs. Magic

Clarkson Out, Kessler Questionable

The Jazz will look to snap their four-game losing streak when they face the Magic.

The Jazz are 0-3 to start their six-game road trip and haven’t won a game since beating the San Antonio Spurs on February 25 in Salt Lake City.

The Magic have lost two straight after a solid start to the new year.

Both Jordan Clarkson and Walker Kessler remained on the Jazz injury report after missing Tuesday’s loss to the Dallas Mavericks.

Clarkson has a sprained finger on his left hand and will miss the game while Kessler is dealing with a non-Covid illness. The standout rookie center is available in Orlando.

LISTEN LIVE: @utahjazz vs. @OrlandoMagic on the @KSLSportsZone and https://t.co/4kU961V8lp.#TakeNote https://t.co/IftsvSMZXu pic.twitter.com/7X1RQcsPn8

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) March 10, 2023

Kris Dunn and Damian Jones got extra minutes in Clarkson and Kessler’s absence and made the most of their opportunity.

Dunn extended his six-game streak of double-digit scoring with the Jazz finishing with 11 points, eight rebounds, and five assists in 24 minutes off the bench.

RELATED: Jazz Face Magic, Look To Snap Four Game Losing Streak

Jones meanwhile added seven points and recorded six rebounds in 24 minutes.

The Jazz will also be without guard Collin Sexton as they look to snap their losing streak who is missing his seventh straight game with a hamstring injury.

UPDATED @UtahJazz Injury Report (as of 3/9):

*OUT – Jordan Clarkson (left hand – fourth finger sprain)

*AVAILABLE – Walker Kessler (non-Covid illness)

OUT – Micah Potter (G League – Two-Way)

OUT – Collin Sexton (left hamstring strain)

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) March 9, 2023

Magic Playing Near .500 Basketball

After a slow start to the season, the Magic began to pick up momentum beginning in January.

Orlando had won 14 of 27 outings since January 4 before dropping back-to-back games to the Portland Trail Blazers and Milwaukee Bucks to open the week.

The Jazz represent the third game in a four-game homestand for the Magic which will conclude on Saturday against the Miami Heat.

Forward Jonathan Isaac is out after suffering a season-ending quad injury last week. Center Wendell Carter is also out due to a hip injury.

The Magic are led in scoring by the young duo of rookie Paolo Banchero (20.0 ppg) and second-year forward Franz Wagner (18.8 ppg).

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